A few years back leadership was seen as a strong Bok advantage. We had so many starters who were captains of their clubs. Cool heads who were willing to take initiative and be accountable were found in almost every position. Today this doesn't seem to be as top of mind in discussing the teams. But perhaps it should be.
The Stormers are currently suffering greatly in this regard. Of the starters on Saturday, only Jean, Becker and Vermeulen are true team leaders....Schalk, Habana and Grant are missed not only for their play, but also their leadership. Oddly enough the leader they might be missing the most is Etzebeth. Go back to the CC final and it's apparent how much this young chap motivated his team mates.
The Bools likewise, a team that was always deep in player leadership.....look a little thin these days since the departure of Bakkies, Matfield and F du Preez. Who are the Bools real leaders today....Morne, Wynand I suspect, Chili perhaps, Potgieter, Kruger and Spies. More than Saturday's Stormers, but not the leadership powerhouse of old.
The Cheetahs give their players lots of initiative........Ebersohn, Willie, Strauss of course, Brussouw are all leaders of the team. Not really all that deep, but this is a team of self starters....anybody can take the lead.
I can't really comment on the Kings, but they seem much like the Cheetahs in the little I have watched of their play.
That brings us to the Sharks. We saw last week against the Saders...... JP, Lambie, the Beast, Jannie, Daniels and even Kankowski assuming leadership roles on the field. Bring back Bismarck and Alberts and there will be a strong core of leadership personalities. Probably more than any other SA team, except perhaps a fully fit Stormers team. But there can be little doubt, for Saturday, the Sharks have a leadership advantage.
